Wedding Hair on the Magnificent Mile, Chicago

The Magnificent Mile is the Michigan Avenue stretch running from the Chicago River up to Oak Street. The hotels lining that mile, the Drake at the north end, the Peninsula and the Four Seasons mid-stretch, the Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building at the south end, host the majority of destination Chicago weddings. We get the bridal party calls when those weddings happen.

Why Magnificent Mile brides book wedding hair at 3rd Coast Salon

The brides we work with on the Mag Mile are almost always traveling. They flew in from out of town for a Chicago wedding because someone has roots here, or because the family wanted the lake view photos. They are staying at one of the corridor hotels. They do not have a Chicago stylist already. They need a salon that can take the whole party on a Saturday morning and turn out a wedding-quality result on a deadline.

Geography is the practical answer. Most Mag Mile hotels are a 10-minute taxi from us. The Drake at the very north end of Mag Mile is even faster, a 6 to 8 minute ride. That short crossing matters when the bride, the maid of honor, the mother of the bride, and three bridesmaids all need to be back at the hotel before photos start. We are close enough to do five styles in our chairs without anyone losing two hours to traffic on Lake Shore Drive.

The other thing that matters for Mag Mile weddings is the photo-and-venue context. Many of these weddings happen at the hotel itself, with lake views and tall ceilings, or at venues like the Chicago Cultural Center or the Drake's Gold Coast Room. The styling has to read on camera under those high ceilings and big windows. We finish wedding styles drier and tighter than we would for a backyard ceremony so they hold through cocktail hour without flattening in photos.

Our wedding hair process

Bridal hair starts with a paid trial, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding. We block 60 to 90 minutes for the trial and you bring inspiration photos, your veil if you have it, and the rough outline of the dress neckline. We test two or three variations and pick a winner. The day-of styling runs 45 to 60 minutes for the bride and 30 to 45 minutes for each bridal party member.

For Mag Mile parties, we recommend booking the full party in back-to-back appointments starting at 7am or 8am so everyone is out before 11am. We can take up to five chairs at once for a wedding party, depending on day.

Stylist spotlight: the 3rd Coast Salon team

Wedding work at 3rd Coast Salon is a team service. Phillip handles bridal cuts in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Kevin handles any color refresh the bride wants done before photos. The whole team rotates through the styling chairs on the wedding morning itself. Daniel, Natasha, and Marquita are all named in our homepage testimonials and they each carry their own bridal book. We match the lead stylist to your style direction at the trial.

Getting to 3rd Coast Salon from the Magnificent Mile

From the Drake Hotel at Walton and Michigan, a taxi or rideshare to us takes 6 to 8 minutes. From the Peninsula at Superior, the ride is 5 to 7 minutes. From the Tribune Tower or the Wrigley Building at the south end of Mag Mile, the trip is closer to 4 minutes since you only need to cross the river. We are 4 blocks west of Michigan Avenue at 223 W Erie Street, Suite 1E.

Who this isn't for

If you are looking for a stylist to travel to your hotel suite the morning of the wedding, we don't offer that. Every wedding service happens in our chairs at 223 W Erie. If you are booking less than 3 weeks before the wedding and you have not done a trial, we will be honest about whether the date is workable for us. Saturday wedding mornings book out 4 to 6 months in advance during May, June, September, and October.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book my wedding trial?

4 to 6 weeks before the wedding for the trial. For the wedding date itself, 4 to 6 months in advance during peak Chicago wedding season.

How do I get to 3rd Coast Salon from my Magnificent Mile hotel?

Rideshare or taxi. The Drake is 6 to 8 minutes away. The Peninsula is 5 to 7 minutes. The Tribune Tower is about 4 minutes since the crossing is short. We are 4 blocks west of Michigan Avenue.

Can you do hair for the whole wedding party?

Yes, up to about five chairs at once. We start parties at 7am or 8am on wedding mornings so everyone is back at the hotel before 11am.

How long does bridal styling take on the wedding day?

45 to 60 minutes for the bride. 30 to 45 minutes per bridesmaid or family member.

Do you do veil placement?

Yes. Bring the veil to your trial so we can test placement.

Can you do makeup?

We focus on hair. We can refer you to makeup artists who work alongside us on wedding mornings.

What if it's raining or humid on the wedding day?

Chicago humidity off the lake is real and we plan for it. We finish wedding styles tighter and use more setting product in summer months so the style survives the walk between hotel and ceremony.

Can I get a color refresh before the wedding?

Yes. Book color with Kevin 7 to 10 days before the wedding so the tone settles in.

Book your appointment. Book online or call (312) 929-2627.